Fear of hypoglycaemia — From normality to pathology. Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic directions

Abstract

The aim of the article is to summarize the current knowledge on the phenomenon of fear of hypoglycaemia and its impact on the metabolic control and well-being of the population of diabetic patients. The article proposes a description of clinical criteria useful for the diagnosis of the fear of hypoglycaemia in a non-normative and harmful form. Therapeutic directions are presented that have been proven effective in the recent years in reducing the level of maladaptive fear of hypoglycaemia, while also protecting the mental health of the patients. Despite extensive knowledge and numerous clinical trials undertaken in other countries, further research on diabetes-related anxiety disorders in Polish patients is needed. It is also advisable to create a database of culturally adapted management protocols for specialists that could increase the quality and effectiveness of the assistance provided in the outpatient health care.